Water Goblin, The, Op. 107/B. 195 (Vodnik)

Completed in 1896, THE WATER GOBLIN (VODNÍK), Op. 107/B. 195 is one of four tone poems by Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) based on Karel Erben's collection of narrative poetry BOUQUET published in 1853. Written in rondo form, the piece evokes its source material with intricate detail. His method of aligning the music closely with the speech patterns of the verse was praised by Leos Janacek, who would use a similar technique in his opera JENUFA. Antonin Bennewitz conducted the premiere on June 1, 1896 at the Prague Conservatory. The first public performance took place on November 14th of that year in London. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2+EH.2(1st d. BCl).2: 4.2.2+BTbn.2(2nd opt.): Timp.Perc(4): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set).